Match Preview: Portland Hearts of Pine vs FMFC
USL1 Forward Madison FC

Match Preview: Portland Hearts of Pine vs FMFC

Published on October 3, 2025 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release


SETTING THE SCENE

Forward Madison FC head into this weekend's match coming off of a 1-0 road win in Westchester last week. The Mingos will look to carry the momentum into Fitzpatrick Stadium, a formidable stage for an already tough opponent in fifth-place Portland. FMFC will need to keep on the gas the whole match to keep the Hearts of Pine on their heels and come away with all three critical points late in the season to keep their playoff hopes alive.

LAST MATCH RECAP - FMFC VS WESTCHESTER

Madison had a dream start tonight in Westchester County as FMFC Captain, Derek Gebhard, got things started early with a beautiful goal in the 2' after his fancy footwork beat the Westchester keeper and snagged the 'Gos the early lead. Forward keeper, Wallis Lapsley, kept the Flamingos on top when he denied a rip by Beckford in the 8'. Lapsley came up with another stop in the 25' to hold the lead. FMFC kept on the attack with a couple chances including a rocket from defender, Timmy Mehl, that rattled the crossbar. Gebhard's early goal sent the Mingos into the break with the one goal lead.

Lapsley came up with a strong save immediately in the second half to hold the Mingos advantage. Things got feisty in the second half with both teams getting chippy. It was a battle of the Jr.s in the 55' when both Murphy Jr. and Obregón Jr. got into a tussle and were shown yellows. Murphy Jr. took a rip in the 62' from outside the box that forced a diving save from Westchester keeper, Facusse. Lapsley jumped on a ball in the 78' to keep the Mingos on top. Glaeser made a triple substitution for Forward in the 79' to send in some fresh legs and see the match out. Lapsley made another heroic move in the 85' when he pounced on a ball that sat-up nicely for Westchester in the box. FMFC was able to lock-in and fend off Westchester up until the final whistle to claim all three crucial points. This result officially knocks The Golden Apple out of playoff contention, meanwhile keeping their own post-season hopes alive.

KEYS TO THE MATCH PRESENTED BY THE BURISH GROUP AT UBS

Check out the UBS Keys to the Match as the Mingos take on Portland Hearts of Pine

Capitalize on Hearts lapse in concentration: Portland's eight-match unbeaten streak was broken this week by Union Omaha on Wednesday. The 'Gos will need to pounce on the chance to deliver another knock while the Hearts of Pine aren't rolling red hot.

Mingos are used to loud environments: The Mingos are no stranger to a packed house. The rowdy environment of Fitzpatrick Stadium may be intimidating for some teams, but FMFC should be used to the crowd noise and welcome the chance to play in a packed venue on the road.

Take Offensive Risks: The 'Gos have eight goals in the last four matches, and they will need to continue to create chances with goal contributions coming from Lucca Dourado, Derek Gebhard, Isaac Angking, and Nico Brown.

SNAPSHOT: #PORvMAD

Saturday, October 4th, 2025

4pm CST Kickoff

Fitzpatrick Stadium

WATCH LIVE

Watch Party

In-game updates: @ForwardMSNFC

2025 USL LEAGUE ONE RECORD

MAD: 6-9-11

POR: 10-5-10

Check out the Forward Madison FC Statistics

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United Soccer League One Stories from October 3, 2025


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